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On October 6, 2019, Newark Police received a report from an area hospital that a patient had been admitted to the facility for a serious head injury following an assault, according to Lt Andrew Rubin.

Newark Police Detectives began an investigation into the incident and learned that on Friday, October 4, 2019, at about 9:00 pm, the male victim was outside of a restaurant located in the 800 block of South College Avenue. The victim was smoking with a friend when he had an interaction with a member of the restaurant staff.

The victim was advised that he was not allowed to return to the restaurant and began to exchange words with one of the employees. A second-person then struck the victim in the back of his head, according to Rubin. As a result, he fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

After the victim regained consciousness, he returned to a residence. The next day, October 5th, the victim was transported to an area hospital after he began to show signs of injury, said Rubin. The victim underwent emergency surgery for a serious injury to his head.

Rubin said based upon witness statements and surveillance video, the suspect in this incident was identified as Eric Brittingham, 36, of Delaware City. In the early morning hours of October 9th, Brittingham was contacted by a Newark Police patrol officer after he was observed operating a vehicle. Brittingham was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody without incident, said Rubin.

Brittingham was transported to Newark Police Headquarters where he was charged with one count of Assault First Degree and DUI. Brittingham appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $60,000 secured bail.

He was later turned over to the custody of the Howard R Young Correctional Facility in Wilmington.

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First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at desk@firststateupdate.com.